World Cup: Balogun scores, sees red as US beat Bosnia 2-0

Folarin Balogun scored and was sent off as the United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to the World Cup's last 16. This victory, the co-hosts' first knockout stage win in almost 25 years, sets up a match against Belgium in Seattle.

Balogun's goal just before halftime sent the crowd into a frenzy, with an estimated 30 million Americans watching nationwide. However, the striker received a red card after a VAR review for a foul on Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic. Even with the US reduced to 10 players, Malik Tillman sealed the win with a curling free-kick.

US supporters filled the stadium in festive spirits. Bosnia adopted a direct, long-ball strategy from the start, while the US defense maintained a high line. Bosnia had early chances, with Edin Dzeko setting up Ermedin Demirovic, whose shot was saved by US goalkeeper Matt Freese. Freese also made a save from a Kerim Alajbegovic corner.

The US began to assert pressure, and Balogun eventually found the net in the 45th minute after a defensive interception and a deflected pass. Despite a strong performance, including nearly creating a second goal before halftime, Balogun's World Cup dream turned sour in the second half when he was controversially shown a straight red card. Bosnia's Demirovic missed an opportunity to equalize shortly after.

US coach Mauricio Pochettino used a hydration break to rally his squad.

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You feel very happy, satisfied and joyful on the court when you are playing this way. Once you get the momentum going. That game, when I went 5-2 up, was one of the best return games I have played in a while. I just went for my shots. I was a bit more relaxed, a little less tension in my head.